Meteora in Greece

Meteora is a natural wonder in Greece and literally translates to “suspended in the air above”. It is home to many rock structures that were earlier inhabited by hermits. A total of 24 monasteries were built out of which six are still accessible. It is a Unesco World Heritage site. Read below for a detailed overview of Meteora.

Places to See

These monasteries were constructed by hermits who were looking for places of solitude to meditate and pray. Over time, they became centres of Byzantine culture and are home to some of the best cultural art of this period. The museums house the rare manuscripts and art which offers a unique insight into the culture of the Byzantine period.

Holy Trinity Monastery

It is one of the most difficult to access but offers some great breathtaking views and is a delight for budding photographers.

Roussanou Monastery

This monastery houses a cathedral in memory of Santa Barbara. It offers great views and its unique architecture deserves special mention.

The easiest of all monasteries is the Saint Stephen’s Monastery where you need to cross a bridge for access. If you have more time, then a visit to the Natural History Museum of Meteora is highly recommended. It has many mushroom collections along with specimens of birds and mammalian species. There is also a café where you can delight in local mushroom delicacies.

Hiking is a major activity in the region and you can avail of guided tours if you are interested in the same. Some tour operators also operate rock climbing tours that are not very expensive and will offer you great breathtaking views.

The place is known for its mushrooms and you can buy some products on your way back. Dried mushrooms are also available and the most popular drink is made of mushrooms. Sample some local dishes as they are often a delight and easy on the stomach.Accommodation is available at the twin towns of Kastraki and Kalampaka. Kastrak provides closer access to the Meteors and should be your preferred place if you want faster access to the spot. There are many budget as well as luxury accommodations in the two towns and you can easily find a place that suits your budget. Since it is a place of worship, garments should be well below the knee for both men and women.

You can fly in to Volos airport and then access Meteora through car. It shouldn’t take more than two to three hours. Trains and buses also connect Volos to Kalampaka. Taxis serve tourists from the train station and will often take you to all monasteries in the region. It is always advisable to walk on foot as it gives a better feel of the place but if you cannot walk for long distances then its best to arrange suitable modes of transport beforehand. It is not a difficult walk and the place is now easily accessible. You can venture at your own pace and photograph the immense scenic landscape along the way.